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Don Davis

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Don Davis has been the Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau chief since 2001, covering state government and politics for two dozen newspapers in the state. Don also blogs at Capital Chatter on Areavoices.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump pledges a major campaign to fight unneeded opioid painkiller use, but it is not clear how his declaring the drug epidemic a "public health emergency" will help the Upper Midwest. "We will overcome addiction in America," Trump promised Thursday, Oct. 26, in a White House East Room ceremony. Comments like his are important because they draw attention to the problem, those working on drug abuse issues say, but many add that without federal money the fight will be impeded.

ST. PAUL — Minnesota state Sen. Dave Senjem held up his well-used black wallet containing his identification and credit cards, and explained identify theft so anyone could understand. "Last week (I) lost this," the Rochester Republican said on Tuesday, Oct. 24. "We all do it. I could only hope the dog ate it."

ST. PAUL — Political reporters love it when a high-level politician stands in front of them fielding questions on all sorts of topics. Washington reporters got a ton of stories when President Donald Trump did that in the Rose Garden a few days ago. Minnesota reporters had the same opportunity the next day when Gov. Mark Dayton started a "press availability" by briefly talking about health care and the state's attempt to lure the second Amazon headquarters, then took questions on a wide variety of topics for 40 minutes.

ST. PAUL — Minnesotans have another year before they must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license to board airliners. Gov. Mark Dayton announced Wednesday, Oct. 18, that the U.S. Homeland Security Department had granted the extension. "All Minnesotans should be assured that they can continue to board commercial airplanes and access federal facilities with their existing driver's licenses or birth certificates as we work to fully implement Real ID and comply with federal requirements," Dayton said.

ST. PAUL — Two Minnesota health programs could be winners under a new federal health care proposal backed by the president. The U.S. Senate plan, which so far lacks leaders' backing, would restore money to the government-subsidized MinnesotaCare health insurance program that serves 91,000 low-income people. It also would provide aid to nearly 170,000 Minnesotans who buy buy individual insurance policies because they are not covered by employee- or government-provided plans.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has approved a crude oil pipeline crossing from Canada into northeastern North Dakota that will send oil across northern Minnesota. The Monday, Oct. 16, announcement allows Canada-based Enbridge to pump oil across the border at maximum capacity of the Alberta Clipper pipeline, also known as Line 67. The 1,112-mile pipeline has been operating, but since 2010, but Enbridge has used another pipeline to move oil at a lower rate across the international border.

ST. PAUL — Minnesotans can begin shopping for individual health insurance policies but only to window shop, not to buy yet. Since buying insurance for people not covered by employer or government programs can be complicated, state-run MNsure has opened its website for examining and comparing 2018 insurance plans. Minnesotans may buy 2018 policies Nov. 1 to Jan. 14. Most Americans only have until Dec. 15 to pick policies.

ST. PAUL — The U.S. Senate's top Republican is determined to fill empty judge seats, even if it means rolling over Sen. Al Franken. The Minnesota Democrat is using a Senate tradition to stop the confirmation of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras to the federal appeals court. But Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, is tired of the tactic and promises to find a way around it.